Species information Scientific name: Nephila pilipesJapanese name: オオジョロウグモChinese name: 人面蜘蛛、斑絡新婦English name: Giant golden orb weaverOrigin: Japan (Ryukyu Islands south of Amami Oshima), Taiwan, China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Papua New Guinea, Australia Ecology and description The giant golden orb weaver is the largest spider in Japan. Females are 3.5–5 cm long, while males are only… Continue reading Giant golden orb weaver
Tag: AmamiOshima
Amur goby
Species information Scientific name: Rhinogobius brunneusJapanese name: クロヨシノボリChinese name: 褐吻鰕虎English name: Amur gobyOrigin: Japan (Honshu to the Ryukyu Islands), Korea, Taiwan, China Ecology and description This species lives in the middle and upper reaches of streams. The total length is about 6-10cm, and it usually rests on stones on the bottom. It may be a… Continue reading Amur goby
Varied tit (Amami subspecies)
Species information Scientific name: Sittiparus varius amamiiJapanese name: アマミヤマガラChinese name: 雜色山雀（奄美亞種）English name: Varied tit (Amami subspecies)Origin: Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, Okinawajima, Gajajima in the Tokara Islands Ecology and description The Amami subspecies of the varied tit (Sittiparus varius amamii) is found on Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, Okinawajima, and Gajajima in the Tokara Islands. Other subspecies occur elsewhere… Continue reading Varied tit (Amami subspecies)
Ryukyu Wild Boar
Species information Scientific name: Sus scrofa riukiuanusJapanese name: リュウキュウイノシシ、ヤマシシ（國頭方言）Chinese name: 琉球野豬English name: Ryukyu wild boarOrigin: Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, northern Okinawajima, Ishigaki, and Iriomote. Ecology and description Ryukyu wild boar is a subspecies of the wild boar (Sus scrofa) endemic to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. In addition to some islands, Ryukyu wild boar is an… Continue reading Ryukyu Wild Boar
Orestes Japonicus
Species information Scientific name: Orestes japonicusJapanese name: コブナナフシChinese name: 日本瘤竹節蟲English name: Orestes japonicusOrigin: Found in the Ryukyu Islands Ecology and description Many species in the family of stick insects reproduce parthenogenetically, meaning females can lay eggs and produce offspring without mating with males. However, males of Orestes japonicus are often observed and they reproduce sexually.… Continue reading Orestes Japonicus
Japanese Silk Moth
Species information Scientific name: Antheraea yamamai yambaruJapanese name: ヤママユ（沖縄亜種）Chinese name: 大透目天蠶蛾（沖繩亞種）English name: Japanese silk mothOrigin: It is distributed in Korea, parts of China, Taiwan, and Japan. In Japan, it is found from Hokkaido to Okinawa, while this subspecies is restricted to Okinawajima. Ecology and description The Japanese silk moth (Antheraea yamamai) in Japan is classified… Continue reading Japanese Silk Moth
Pseudogagrella amamiana
Species information Scientific name: Pseudogagrella amamianaJapanese name: ギンボシザトウムシChinese name: 奄美偽盾刺盲蛛English name: Pseudogagrella amamianaOrigin: Southern Kyushu, Yakushima, Amami Islands, Okinawa Islands Ecology and description This species is the most common harvestman from southern Kyushu to the Okinawa Islands. Its back has a bluish-green sheen with a central spine. Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation… Continue reading Pseudogagrella amamiana
Common House Gecko
Species information Scientific name: Hemidactylus frenatusJapanese name: ホオグロヤモリChinese name: 疣尾蜥虎English name: Common house geckoOrigin: Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. In Japan, it is distributed in the Ryukyu Islands south of Amami Oshima but can potentially move to other areas along with household furniture. Ecology and description Common house gecko is the most common gecko in… Continue reading Common House Gecko
Brown-winged Tiger Spiketail
Species information Scientific name: Chlorogomphus brunneusJapanese name: カラスヤンマChinese name: 褐翅斑蜓、褐翅裂唇蜓English name: Brown-winged tiger spiketailOrigin: Japan (Shikoku, Kyushu), Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, Okinawajima, Kerama Islands Ecology and description This species is a large dragonfly. Males have nearly transparent wings, while females have deep brown wings and are often seen flying swiftly in the upper reaches of streams.… Continue reading Brown-winged Tiger Spiketail
Oshima Cicada
Species information Scientific name: Meimuna oshimensisJapanese name: オオシマゼミChinese name: 大島寒蟬English name: Oshima cicadaOrigin: Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, Okinawajima, Kumejima Ecology and description Oshima cicada is the most representative autumn cicada in Yambaru and is the largest species among the Japanese Meimuna. Its habitat ranges from Amami Oshima to Okinawajima, with the specific name Oshimensis referring to… Continue reading Oshima Cicada